Aston's flagship pulls more power from its V-12 and gets One-77–inspired looks.

What It Is: A heavily camouflaged example of the next-generation Aston Martin DBS, seen here undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden. We previously reported this car to be the next DB9, but our European sources have informed us that it actually is the new DBS. We’re told the car is wearing a significant number of dummy panels, so take the car’s sheetmetal with a pinch of salt.

Why It Matters: The DBS made its introduction to the Aston lineup for 2008; five years is about as long as any premium manufacturer wants to let its range-topper go between redesigns. Aston has now sold all examples of its limited-production, $1 million-plus One-77, but it needs to move more of its less-expensive models. Even if those cars cost nearly $300,000, as will the new DBS.

Platform: The DBS should continue to utilize Aston Martin’s aluminum VH architecture, which also underpins every other Aston model. So by “should,” we really mean will.

The 2013 car’s front fascia sees its inlets enlarged and pushed outward, away from the signature Aston Martin grille. The headlights will be slimmer and get LED running lights—finally—and the hood gets a few more creases and larger vents. The new DBS will take several visual cues from the One-77, which can be seen in the shape of its mirror mounts, the dramatically arched rear lip spoiler, and its more pronounced rear fender bulges. Our sources tell us the dummy panels adorning this DBS prototype hide aggressive bisected fender vents with a central strake extending to the door panel, styled after those on its super-dupercar sibling.

Powertrain: Expect the DBS to again be powered by a sonorous V-12. As far as output goes, we’re told that the next DBS will get a bump to 550 hp from its predecessor’s 510. Transmission information is a little murkier; a six-speed manual should continue to be available, while Aston’s seven-speed automated manual could replace the current six-speed slushbox as the automatic option.

Estimated Arrival Time and Price: The 2013 DBS will make its debut sometime before the end of the year—we’ve got our money on the Paris auto show—before going on sale early in 2013. The additional 40 horses and a significant face lift (by Aston standards) likely will push the new DBS’s base higher than the current model’s $270,000 starting price.